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Objective: Examine patterns and predictors of skill learning during multisession Enhanced FO rward C oncentration and A ttention L earning (FOCAL+) training. Background: FOCAL+ teaches teens to reduce the duration of off-road glances using real-time error learning. In a randomized controlled trial, teens with ADHD received five sessions of FOCAL+ training and demonstrated significant reductions in extended glances (>2-s) away from the roadway (i.e., long-glances) and a 40% reduced risk of a crash/near-crash event. Teens' improvement in limiting long-glances as assessed after each FOCAL+ training session has not been examined. Method: Licensed teen (ages 16–19) drivers with ADHD (n = 152) were randomly assigned to five sessions of either FOCAL+ or modified standard driver training. Teens completed driving simulation assessments at baseline, after each training session, and 1 month and 6 months posttraining. Naturalistic driving was monitored for one year. Results: FOCAL+ training produced a 53% maximal reduction in long-glances during postsession simulated driving. The number of sessions needed to achieve maximum performance varied across participants. However, after five FOCAL+ training sessions, number of long-glances was comparable irrespective of when teens achieved their maximum performance. The magnitude of reduction in long-glances predicted levels of long-glances during simulated driving at 1 month and 6 months posttraining but not naturalistic driving outcomes. FOCAL+ training provided the most benefit during training to teens who were younger and had less driving experience. Conclusion: FOCAL+ training significantly reduces long-glances beginning at the 1st training session. Application: Providing five FOCAL+ training sessions early on during teen driving may maximize benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite legal assurances of equal rights and access to healthcare, discrimination and stigma hinder the fulfillment of these rights, impacting employment opportunities and societal integration, particularly for individuals with mental disabilities. The global economic burden of mental health issues underscores the urgency of addressing disparities in access to healthcare services, especially for individuals with mental disabilities. This research is then dedicated to analyzing how accessible to health services for individuals with mental disabilities based on the local integrated services model; and how do rural communities accept individuals with mental disabilities after participating in routine local integrated services, named Posyandu Jiwa in Indonesia, for mental health activities. The research method used is qualitative with a phenomenological approach. We conducted this research in the Inclusive Village program in Gianyar Regency, namely Suwat Village, Sumita Village, Petak Kaja Village, and Singapadu Village.

Abstract Background People with serious mental illness (SMI) and people with intellectual disabilities/developmental disabilities (ID/DD) are at higher risk for COVID-19 and more severe outcomes. We compare a tailored versus general best practice COVID-19 prevention program in group homes (GHs) for people with SMI or ID/DD in Massachusetts (MA). Methods A hybrid effectiveness-implementation cluster randomized control trial compared a four-component implementation strategy (Tailored Best Practices: TBP) to dissemination of standard prevention guidelines (General Best-Practices: GBP) in GHs across six MA behavioral health agencies. GBP consisted of standard best practices for preventing COVID-19. TBP included GBP plus four components including: (1) trusted-messenger peer testimonials on benefits of vaccination; (2) motivational interviewing; (3) interactive education on preventive practices; and (4) fidelity feedback dashboards for GHs. Primary implementation outcomes were full COVID-19 vaccination rates (baseline: 1/1/2021–3/31/2021) and fidelity scores (baseline: 5/1/21–7/30/21), at 3-month intervals to 15-month follow-up until October 2022. The primary effectiveness outcome was COVID-19 infection (baseline: 1/1/2021–3/31/2021), measured every 3 months to 15-month follow-up. Cumulative incidence of vaccinations were estimated using Kaplan-Meier curves. Cox frailty models evaluate differences in vaccination uptake and secondary outcomes. Linear mixed models (LMMs) and Poisson generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) were used to evaluate differences in fidelity scores and incidence of COVID-19 infections. Results GHs (n=415) were randomized to TBP (n=208) and GBP (n=207) including 3,836 residents (1,041 ID/DD; 2,795 SMI) and 5,538 staff. No differences were found in fidelity scores or COVID-19 incidence rates between TBP and GBP, however TBP had greater acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility. No overall differences in vaccination rates were found between TBP and GBP. However, among unvaccinated group home residents with mental disabilities, non-White residents achieved full vaccination status at double the rate for TBP (28.6%) compared to GBP (14.4%) at 15 months. Additionally, the impact of TBP on vaccine uptake was over two-times greater for non-White residents compared to non-Hispanic White residents (ratio of HR for TBP between non-White and non-Hispanic White: 2.28, p = 0.03). Conclusion Tailored COVID-19 prevention strategies are beneficial as a feasible and acceptable implementation strategy with the potential to reduce disparities in vaccine acceptance among the subgroup of non-White individuals with mental disabilities. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04726371, 27/01/2021. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04726371 .

The study aims to explore and analyse ethical communication hadiths that can be applied to individuals with mental disabilities in Malaysia. Individuals with mental disabilities (OKU mental) are an important community within the local society. However, this group often faces challenges in communicating with the public or in the public’ss understanding of how to communicate with them. Therefore, this study discusses selected hadiths through qualitative analysis related to communication ethics to understand how Islam encourages attitudes of respect and empathy towards individuals with mental disabilities based on the Manual of Disability Awareness for the Implementation of Friendly Health Services for Persons with Disabilities (OKU) in 2015. Data was collected from primary sources such as collections of hadiths, commentaries by scholars, and relevant literature. The study found that Islam emphasises the importance of comprehensive communication for all individuals, including those with mental disabilities. In this context, Islam views everyone as a creation of Allah entitled to fair and respectful treatment. This study contributes significantly to raising awareness in society about communication ethics towards individuals with mental disabilities. By applying the Islamic values taught through these hadiths, it is hoped that society can increase awareness and practise more empathetic communication, encouraging and providing appropriate space for individuals with mental disabilities in all aspects of their lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a novel method for identifying the public evaluative standards that contribute to the classification of certain conditions as mental disabilities. Public evaluative standards could contribute to ascertaining disabilities by outlining characteristics whose presence beyond a threshold is fundamentally important for the life of a person and whose absence or reduced occurrence constitutes a disability. Additionally, they can participate in determining disabilities by delineating particularly grave difficulties, impairments, or incapacities. Our method relies on a model of public justification of evaluative standards that is inspired by Gerald Gaus's theory of public reason. Thus, our approach recommends the justification of evaluative standards through sound deliberative routes from reasons accessible to all persons who participate in the process of justification and the convergence of what is justified in this way to each of them. We deem that disabilities could be caused both by problems in the internal characteristics of a person as well as by unfairness or a lack of hospitality in external circumstances. This is why the method of justification is applied to the assessment of those circumstances as well. If social or environmental circumstances cannot be justified through the convergence of reasons accessible to all persons involved in the process of justification, we have reasons to exclude the presence of a disability and ascertain the presence of inadequate external conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective　In 2020, > 6 million individuals with mental disorders received psychiatric care. Advocacy is important to ensure that the rights of psychiatric patients, for whom involuntary hospitalization sometimes occurs, are maintained. This study aimed to develop a Japanese version of the Patient Self-Advocacy Scale (PSAS) by Brashers et al. to measure the degree of patient self-advocacy and examine its reliability and validity.Methods　Five researchers translated the original PSAS into Japanese. The translated questionnaire was piloted with five psychiatric users and further revised. The revised content was back-translated by a professional translator and checked by the original author. An online questionnaire was administered to verify the validity and reliability of the completed Japanese PSAS. The questionnaire was distributed to individuals who received mental health services on a mailing list. Some respondents were asked to complete the questionnaire a second time to examine the reliability of the retest method. Reliability was examined by calculating Cronbach's alpha coefficients for the entire scale and subscales and evaluating the results of the correlation coefficients with the retest. For validity, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted, and correlation coefficients were calculated using related scales (the Japanese versions of the Desirability of Control, Desire for Autonomy, and Health Locus of Control scales).Results　The questionnaire received 214 responses, and the test-retest questionnaire received 48 responses. Most respondents had been diagnosed with mood disorders (48.1%) or schizophrenia (40.7%), and 46.8% had been receiving psychiatric care for > 10 years. Cronbach's alpha coefficients for the overall scale and subscale analyses and correlation coefficients for retests ranged from 0.66-0.83 and 0.69-0.84, respectively. Regarding validity, exploratory factor analysis revealed three factors with items similar to those in the original version, and confirmatory factor analysis showed goodness of fit (CMIN/DF = 2.834, GFI = 0.896, AGFI = 0.841, RMSEA = 0.093, AIC = 198.542, CFI = 0.888). Correlations with relevant scales were significant with those of most subscales.Conclusion　The Japanese PSAS was valid and reliable. This scale can be used to assess self-advocacy among psychiatric users and may help understand attitudes toward rights and advocacy.

This paper proposes a novel method for identifying the public evaluative standards that contribute to the classification of certain conditions as mental disabilities. Public evaluative standards could contribute to ascertaining disabilities by outlining characteristics whose presence beyond a threshold is fundamentally important for the life of a person and whose absence or reduced occurrence constitutes a disability. Additionally, they can participate in determining disabilities by delineating particularly grave difficulties, impairments, or incapacities. Our method relies on a model of public justification of evaluative standards that is inspired by Gerald Gaus’s theory of public reason. Thus, our approach recommends the justification of evaluative standards through sound deliberative routes from reasons accessible to all persons who participate in the process of justification and the convergence of what is justified in this way to each of them. We deem that disabilities could be caused both by problems in the internal characteristics of a person as well as by unfairness or a lack of hospitality in external circumstances. This is why the method of justification is applied to the assessment of those circumstances as well. If social or environmental circumstances cannot be justified through the convergence of reasons accessible to all persons involved in the process of justification, we have reasons to exclude the presence of a disability and ascertain the presence of inadequate external conditions.

In the last few years, the role of public service announcements (PSA) in conveying a message of social responsibility to a wide audience has increased due to the fact that many governments have adopted a less authoritative approach in favour of policy-making based on promotion and education. Against this backdrop of global changing policies, governments have started to include discourses of diversity and inclusivity in mass media campaigns. For instance, more and more mental health organisations have been launching awareness-raising campaigns on diversity and inclusion featuring a diverse group of individuals to speak out against commonly held stereotypes and the socalled ‘implicit bias’. The present research examined a sample of PSAs on mental disabilities collected from the websites of two non-profit organisations: the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) and the Ad Council, USA. Against the theoretical framework of multimodal critical discourse analysis and visual argumentation, the research aimed to explore how non-profit organizations promote diversity and inclusion through verbal and visual argumentative-persuasive techniques and to what extent multimodal argumentation contributes to fighting stigma and discrimination, changing public attitudes and behaviour towards mental disabilities, especially among the young generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the association of dental caries and oral health related quality of life in mentally or physical disabled children studying in schools of Karachi. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Public and private sector special needs schools of Karachi, from Sep to Nov 2017. Methodology: This study was conducted on 196 disabled children (mental/physical) in Karachi Pakistan. Children aged 6-18 years and having a disability was included in the study. We calculated the prevalence of dental caries through an examination of the oral cavity using the Decayed, missing and filled teeth index. Data were analyzed in SPSS version 20. Results: Dental caries was found in 114 (58.2%). “Oral symptoms” score was (4.46 ± 0.85 vs. 4.95 ± 0.79; p

ObjectiveThe study examined state variation in rates of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) determinations, allowances, and receipt of benefits for ten selected child mental disabilities in 2013.MethodsSSI administrative and U.S. Census Bureau data collected by a multidisciplinary consensus committee convened by the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine in 2015 were examined.ResultsLess than 1% of children in 2013 were recipients of SSI for mental disabilities. Determination rates ranged from 1,441 to 251 per 100,000 low-income children, an almost sixfold difference. Allowance rates varied from 16% to 78%, a fivefold difference. Receipt of benefits ranged from .7% to 5.3%, a sevenfold difference.ConclusionsLarge unexplained discrepancies across states were found in review and receipt of SSI benefits for low-income children with mental disabilities. Inequities that cannot be explained by disability severity or financial need violate the ethos of equitable access to federally entitled services.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with mental health issues experience profound stigma and discrimination, which may contribute to a lack of accommodation utilization to address functional limitations of their work. OBJECTIVES: This study examined how psychosocial factors may predict the request of accommodations by employed individuals with mental disabilities through the framework of social cognitive career theory. METHODS: In the United States, 148 employed adults with mental disabilities completed an online questionnaire to ascertain self-efficacy, outcome expectation, affect, and workplace support. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine associations between respondents' psychosocial factors and request of accommodations. RESULTS: Psychosocial factors (i.e., self-efficacy in accommodation request, outcome expectancy in employers' compliance with accommodation request, and non-person cost associated with request) were associated with impacting decisions to request accommodations among individuals with mental disabilities. CONCLUSIONS: A focus on bolstering self-efficacy and outcome expectation may assist rehabilitation professionals with facilitating positive occupational outcomes for individuals with mental disabilities. Incorporating increased education on the possible implications of mental disabilities in the workplace may also promote successful employment outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the research was to determine the effect of using the spider web learning model on the improvement of learning achievement in basic mathematics for children with mental disabilities in a Kindergarten in Central Java. The research uses an experimental method with a one-group pretest-posttest design, in which a group of subjects is treated for a certain period and the effect of treatment is measured from the difference between the initial measurement (pretest) and the final measurement (posttest). The research subjects were all children in group B with a total of five students. Data collection techniques using tests. Data analysis used the Wilcoxon signed-rank test analysis technique. The result of the research is that the Z account value is -2.027 with Asymp. Sign (2-tailed) 0.043 at a significant level (α) 0.05 or 5%. For this reason, it can be concluded that the use of the spider web learning model affects increasing learning achievement.

Objective: We collected naturalistic heart rate data from veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to investigate the effects of various factors on heart rate. Background: PTSD is prevalent among combat veterans in the United States. While a positive correlation between PTSD and heart rate has been documented, specific heart rate profiles during the onset of PTSD symptoms remain unknown. Method: Veterans were recruited during five cycling events in 2017 and 2018 to record resting and activity-related heart rate data using a wrist-worn device. The device also logged self-reported PTSD hyperarousal events. Regression analyses were performed on demographic and behavioral covariates including gender, exercise, antidepressants, smoking habits, sleep habits, average heart rate during reported hyperarousal events, age, glucocorticoids consumption, and alcohol consumption. Heart rate patterns during self-reported PTSD hyperarousal events were analyzed using Auto Regressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA). Heart rate data were also compared to an open-access non-PTSD representative case. Results: Of 99 veterans with PTSD, 91 participants reported at least one hyperarousal event, with a total of 1023 events; demographic information was complete for 38 participants who formed the subset for regression analyses. The results show that factors including smoking, sleeping, gender, and medication significantly affect resting heart rate. Moreover, unique heart rate patterns associated with PTSD symptoms in terms of stationarity, autocorrelation, and fluctuation characteristics were identified. Conclusion: Our findings show distinguishable heart rate patterns and characteristics during PTSD hyperarousal events. Application: These findings show promise for future work to detect the onset of PTSD symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Design and implementation of rehabilitation fixed prosthetics need to take account of the need for realization as long as possible of a congruence between the denture and tissues of stomatognathic system, but also ensure excellent resistance to environmental. Although the concepts underlying the principles listed are different, each of them incorporates elements of significance for the biomechanical balancing of the dento-prosthetic assembly. One of the main prophylactic problems is the discerning use of dento-periodontal or, as the case may be, muco-osseous support, in order to disperse as much as possible the pressure and traction forces on the different elements of the prosthetic field. Observing the curative principle involves obtaining a rebuilding morphofunctional able to provide replay functions altered, the optimal conditions. The transition from health levels to mental illness can be done gradually, the evolution being caused among others by: deterioration of brain function (imbalance in the bio-chemical functioning of the brain); hereditary, genetic inheritance (this has not been proven with certainty; what has been shown, however, is the tendency for this type of disease to appear – more than in other families); a high level of stress; a family life without harmony; professional and social conflicts; interpersonal conflicts; loss of a loved one,etc. Material and method:The material of study includes a number of 55 patients with disabilities mental and drug, rehabilitated prosthetic. Results and discussions: People with mental disabilities are protected in institutions such as mental asylum, hospitals with special regime, rehabilitation center for the disabled and other specialized institutions where people with this type of disability are employed. Conclusions: The description of the lesions is necessary for an etiological diagnosis because the appearance of stomatitis orients us on the medicinal origin.

The paper discusses the possibility of the obtaining of beneficial effects through a relaxation exercise program comprising children with mental disabilities. Based on the literature in the field, the question arises to what extent these exercises can take place under less favorable conditions, that is even in the classroom.

Highlights: Burn injuries pose a significant risk for individuals with neurological disorders, particularly during altered states of consciousness. This study investigated the relationship between various neurological disorders and burn injuries in a tertiary care hospital setting., Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted over 24 months at a university-affiliated tertiary care hospital. Medical records of patients with burn injuries attributed to neuropsychiatric causes were analyzed. Data collected included demographic details, neurological cause, burn severity, anatomical distribution, and management., Results: The study revealed a higher prevalence of burn injuries among females (47, 54.76%) compared to males (37, 45.23%). While there was no statistically significant difference in the duration of neuropsychiatric disorders between males (8.5 ± 2.8 years) and females (10.43 ± 3.94 years) (p = 0.321), epilepsy was the most common neurological disorder (56, 66.52%), followed by mental disability (15, 17.85%), dementia (6, 7.15%), cerebrovascular disorders (5, 5.95%), and Parkinson's disease (3, 3.57%). Females experienced a higher percentage of scald burns (26.19%) compared to males (29.76%) (p = 0.012) and a higher proportion of third-degree burns (24.4% vs. 11.9% in males) (p = 0.010). Anatomically, burns were most prevalent on the head and neck (26, 30.95% females vs. 14, 31.1% males) (p = 0.003), upper extremities (16, 19.04% females vs. 17, 20.23% males), and anterior trunk (18, 21.40% females vs. 11, 24.4% males). Common interventions included debridement and dressings (17, 31.1% females vs. 14, 20.23% males), tangential excision with split-thickness skin grafting (18, 21.40% females vs. 16, 19.04% males), and conservative dressings (9, 10.71% females vs. 5, 5.90% males). Females had a longer mean duration of hospital stay (13.65 days ± 4.68) compared to males (10.54 days ± 3.27)., Conclusion: Neuropsychiatric disorders, particularly epilepsy, mental disability, and dementia, significantly contribute to burn injuries among affected individuals. This underscores the importance of targeted interventions in seizure management, home safety, and comprehensive medical care. Multidisciplinary collaboration and culturally informed strategies are essential for addressing this public health challenge effectively and improving patient outcomes., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent for treatment and open access publication was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Ethics and Research Advisory Committee of the Faculty of Medicine of Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University issued approval EC/NEW/INST/2020/904. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Ahmad et al.)

Aim. The purpose of this study is to identify the incidence of impairments in students with mental disabilities selected in the physical therapy program conducted in special schools in Bucharest. Methods. The research sample was composed of 259 students enrolled in special education in Bucharest. The criteria for forming working groups were: mental deficiencies, the degree of disability, gender and level of education (primary or secondary). Results. Spinal deformities are one of the major health problems for school children, with consequences for the future adult.Of the total number of subjects enrolled at primary and secondary level, 79 subjects (30.5%) were involved in the physiotherapy program.For students with mild / moderate impairment, the most common condition is lordosis and kyphosalordosis followed by kyphosis. Conclusions. The incidence of the disease is different in students with mental disabilities enrolled in primary and secondary education. For students with severe / profound mental deficiencies, the most common condition is kypholordosis followed by kyphosis and neurological disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about the impact of giant cell arteritis (GCA) and its treatment on patient-reported physical, mental, and psychic quality of life (QoL). In this monocentric study, a questionnaire was sent to the 100 last patients diagnosed with GCA and followed-up in a single tertiary center. Their physical, mental and psychic status were self-assessed via close-ended questions, the 12-item short form survey (SF-12) and the 15-item geriatric depression scale (GDS). We aimed to identify parameters that were significantly associated with moderate-to-severe disability in both physical and mental domains. Ninety patients were analyzable. Moderate to severe physical disability was found in 41 (46%) patients. In multivariate analysis, walking difficulties (OR, 95% CI 8.42 [2.98–26.82], p 80 (OR, 95% CI 4.21 [1.44–13.61], p = 0.008) were independent findings associated with moderate to severe physical disability. Moderate to severe mental disability was found in 30 (33%) patients. In multivariate analysis, depressive mood (OR, 95% CI 11.05 [3.78–37.11], p < 0.0001), felt adverse events attributable to glucocorticoids (OR, 95% CI 10.54 [1.65–213.1], p = 0.01) and use of immune-suppressants (OR, 95% CI 3.50 [1.14–11.87], p = 0.03) were independent findings associated with moderate to severe mental disability. There was a statistically significant negative correlation between GDS and the physical and/or mental disability scores (GDS and PCS-12: r = −0.33, p = 0.0013; GDS and MCS-12: r = −0.36, p = 0.0005). In conclusion, this study identified via a self-assessment of patients with GCA some medical and modifiable findings that significantly affect their physical and mental quality of life. A better knowledge of these factors may help improve the care of GCA patients.

The Queensland Government issued a policy directive to lock all acute adult public mental health inpatient wards in 2013. Despite criticism from professional bodies and advocacy for an alternative, the policy has been retained to this day. A blanket directive to treat all psychiatric inpatients in a locked environment without individualised consideration of safety is inconsistent with least restrictive recovery-oriented care. It is against the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, to which Australia is a signatory. It is also contrary to the main objects of the Mental Health Act 2016 (Qld). Queensland Health has reported a reduction in 'absences without permission' from psychiatric inpatient wards after the introduction of the locked wards policy; however, no in-depth analysis of the consequences of this policy has been conducted. It has been argued that patients returning late or not returning from approved leave is a more common event than patients 'escaping' from mental health wards, yet all may be counted as 'absent without permission' events. A review of the international literature found little evidence of reduced absconding from locked wards. Disadvantages for inpatients of locked wards include lowered self-esteem and autonomy, and a sense of exclusion, confinement and stigma. Locked wards are also associated with lower satisfaction with services and higher rates of medication refusal. On the contrary, there is significant international evidence that models of care like Safewards and having open door policies can improve the environment on inpatient units and may lead to less need for containment and restrictive practices. We recommend a review of the locked wards policy in light of human rights principles and international evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Coronavirus Disease-19 (Covid-19) pandemic, in the last year, has resulted in a significant number of infections and deaths among nursing homes' residents. This phenomenon has set up the necessity to subject these patients, often suffering from mental disabilities to a vaccination against Covid-19. However, vaccination has long been the subject of public attention, being regulated differently in many European countries. In Italy, the Ministry of Health has given priority, vaccination-wise, to health facilities' patients. The government has regulated through-law no. 1 of January 5, 2021, art. 5, the manifestation of consent to be Covid-19 vaccinated in incapacitated subjects admitted to assisted health facilities. This rule arose from the need to protect fragile individuals as well as providing real dispositions for the involved health professionals. Nursing homes' elderly guests could be divided into four categories: a) subjects capable to express their will (affected by physical problems); b) subjects who, due to varying degrees of incapacitation, have their own legal guardian, curator or support administrator, appointed in accordance with the law; c) incapacitated subjects without legal representatives d) subjects who, pursuant to law no. 219/2017, have appointed their own trustee. This paper provides for a clear exemplification of all the possible scenarios identified by the Italian law no.1/2021. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the association of dental caries and oral health related quality of life in mentally or physical disabled children studying in schools of Karachi. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Public and private sector special needs schools of Karachi, from Sep to Nov 2017. Methodology: This study was conducted on 196 disabled children (mental/physical) in Karachi Pakistan. Children aged 6-18 years and having a disability was included in the study. We calculated the prevalence of dental caries through an examination of the oral cavity using the Decayed, missing and filled teeth index. Data were analyzed in SPSS version 20. Results: Dental caries was found in 114 (58.2%). "Oral symptoms" score was (4.46 ± 0.85 vs. 4.95 ± 0.79; p<0.001), "functional limitation" (4.12 ± 1.0 vs. 4.63 ± 0.82; p<0.001), "emotional wellbeing" (4.40 ± 0.92 vs. 4.97 ± 0.70; p<0.001) and "parental distress and family function" (3.65 ± 0.97 vs. 4.03 ± 0.96; p<0.001) in children with and without dental caries respectively. All the oral health related quality of life score domains showed statistically significant association between mentally and physical disabled children with and without dental caries. Conclusion: All the oral health related quality of life related domains had a significant negative impact on the quality of life in mentally and physical disabled children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article is focused on a brief introduction to the principles of the methodology for introducing natural numbers and operations with them in students with mental disabilities. It is based on practice and a diploma thesis that the author has prepared on this topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research illustrates a complex, observational, longitudinal, comparative and noninterventional biometric study on the evaluation, in dynamics, of stature-weight development, in children with Down syndrome (DS), compared to children with varying degrees of mental retardation (MR), by repeatedly determining their height and weight, as well as by correlating these two parameters, in order to highlight the harmonious or disharmonious aspect of their stature-weight development. For this purpose, from patients' medical files, we extracted the data regarding the periodic, annual, height and weight determinations of 50 preschoolers and schoolchildren, institutionalized in two Special Schools in Bucharest, which we compared with the standard tables used for Romanian population. The results showed that all children with DS show a disharmonious stature-weight development, with excess weight, as a consequence of both chromosomal trisomy and associated congenital malformations, especially heart malformations. In children with MR, the results showed a great phenotypic variability in terms of their statureweight development. Thus, there were several cases in which the stature-weight development was harmonious, but, in the vast majority of cases, the results showed the presence of harmonious stature-weight development periods, which alternate with disharmonious stature-weight development periods, with weight surplus or weight deficit, alternation, which can be explained both by the involvement of genetic factors, and especially by the involvement of environmental, exogenous or endogenous factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The article contains a summary of the main problems encountered during distance education. The main challenges faced by teachers in special education, but also by their families are presented. The shift of special education to the online environment due to the covid-19 pandemic has led to the use of different methods and resources. One of the ways in which the adaptation to new methods and resources has been made is presented at the end of the article through a comparative analysis. It presents the traditional way of conducting a therapy session with children with mild mental disabilities and how it was conducted online. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although user participation and shared decision-making in formal statutory coordinated care planning are described as central, they remain to be implemented. The aim of this study is to explore how collaboration and shared decision-making in the social services can be realized in formal care planning activities with people with mental disabilities. We conducted eight workshops with 12 users and 17 caregivers to investigate existing barriers to and possible solutions for participation in coordinated care planning. Workshop formats and techniques from participatory design generated rich research materials illustrating challenges currently experienced by users and caregivers in care planning work, as well as a large variety of solutions to these challenges. They also illustrated differences in how participation is understood and the conditions required to realize shared decision-making between users and caregivers. An improved coordinated individual plan (CIP) process emerged, based on the active participation of users and caregivers. This process is a familiar and transparent process for users and caregivers, reflecting the needs and preferences of users at all stages. It requires careful preparation and collaboration with the users, as well as caregiver flexibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In Kenya, the employment rate for persons with disabilities is about 1% compared to 73.8% for the general population, and the situation is even worse for persons with mental disabilities. Persons with mental disabilities are often regarded as "mad", and stand little or no chance of employment. We undertook an exploratory study with employers and potential employers to understand factors that hinder or facilitate their employment and to gain insight into employers' perceptions of mental disability. Materials and methods: We adopted a mixed method study design, including in-depth interviews (n = 10) and questionnaires (n = 158) with (potential) employers in Kenya to explore the barriers and facilitators of employment for persons with mental disabilities. Results: Out of the 158 employers who completed the questionnaire, only 15.4% had ever employed persons with mental disabilities. The perceptions that these persons are not productive and may be violent was associated with an unwillingness to employ them (OR: 10.11, 95%CI: 2.87–35.59 and OR: 3.6, 95%CI: 1.34–9.64, respectively). The possession of skills was the highest reported facilitator of employing persons with mental disabilities. Employers suggested that information about mental illness and the disclosure by prospective employees with mental disabilities are relevant for the provision of reasonable accommodation in the workplace. Conclusion: Possession of skills and disclosure by persons with mental disabilities could improve their employability. Information targeted at all actors including employers, employees, government, and policymakers is necessary for balancing employers and employees expectations. Disabled persons' organisations or mental disability programs that seek to improve the employment of persons with mental disabilities should incorporate methods that address employer expectations through dialogue to find mutual benefits. Employers require essential information about mental illness, and guidance and support in order to provide reasonable accommodation in the workplace for persons with mental disabilities. Disabled persons' organisations and inclusive employment programs should share the positive experiences of employers of persons with mental disabilities with employers who are unaware of the work abilities of persons with mental disabilities to stimulate adoption of inclusive practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In Kenya, the employment rate for persons with disabilities is about 1% compared to 73.8% for the general population, and the situation is even worse for persons with mental disabilities. Persons with mental disabilities are often regarded as "mad", and stand little or no chance of employment. We undertook an exploratory study with employers and potential employers to understand factors that hinder or facilitate their employment and to gain insight into employers' perceptions of mental disability. Materials and methods: We adopted a mixed method study design, including in-depth interviews (n = 10) and questionnaires (n = 158) with (potential) employers in Kenya to explore the barriers and facilitators of employment for persons with mental disabilities. Results: Out of the 158 employers who completed the questionnaire, only 15.4% had ever employed persons with mental disabilities. The perceptions that these persons are not productive and may be violent was associated with an unwillingness to employ them (OR: 10.11, 95%CI: 2.87–35.59 and OR: 3.6, 95%CI: 1.34–9.64, respectively). The possession of skills was the highest reported facilitator of employing persons with mental disabilities. Employers suggested that information about mental illness and the disclosure by prospective employees with mental disabilities are relevant for the provision of reasonable accommodation in the workplace. Conclusion: Possession of skills and disclosure by persons with mental disabilities could improve their employability. Information targeted at all actors including employers, employees, government, and policymakers is necessary for balancing employers and employees expectations. Disabled persons' organisations or mental disability programs that seek to improve the employment of persons with mental disabilities should incorporate methods that address employer expectations through dialogue to find mutual benefits. Employers require essential information about mental illness, and guidance and support in order to provide reasonable accommodation in the workplace for persons with mental disabilities. Disabled persons' organisations and inclusive employment programs should share the positive experiences of employers of persons with mental disabilities with employers who are unaware of the work abilities of persons with mental disabilities to stimulate adoption of inclusive practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Although user participation and shared decision-making in formal statutory coordinated care planning are described as central, they remain to be implemented. The aim of this study is to explore how collaboration and shared decision-making in the social services can be realized in formal care planning activities with people with mental disabilities. Methods We conducted eight workshops with 12 users and 17 caregivers to investigate existing barriers to and possible solutions for participation in coordinated care planning. Results Workshop formats and techniques from participatory design generated rich research materials illustrating challenges currently experienced by users and caregivers in care planning work, as well as a large variety of solutions to these challenges. They also illustrated differences in how participation is understood and the conditions required to realize shared decision-making between users and caregivers. Conclusions An improved coordinated individual plan (CIP) process emerged, based on the active participation of users and caregivers. This process is a familiar and transparent process for users and caregivers, reflecting the needs and preferences of users at all stages. It requires careful preparation and collaboration with the users, as well as caregiver flexibility.

The paper discusses the possibility of the obtaining of beneficial effects through a relaxation exercise program comprising children with mental disabilities. Based on the literature in the field, the question arises to what extent these exercises can take place under less favorable conditions, that is even in the classroom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the utility of a novel, more cost-effective driving simulator, Assetto Corsa (AC), in detecting differences in driving performance between individuals with and without ADHD. Driving simulators are a useful means of assessing driving performance in those with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); however, they are frequently expensive and thus unavailable to many researchers. A total of 87 participants (16 with ADHD, 71 without) completed an AC driving simulator task. They also completed computerized measures of attention and executive functioning and a questionnaire assessing self-reported driving behaviors and anger, ADHD and related symptoms, and mind wandering. Relative to those without ADHD, participants with ADHD reached higher average ground speeds and more greatly utilized the throttle. They also applied higher maximum pressure to the throttle and brake pedals. Within the full sample, greater mind wandering was associated with average and maximum throttle pressure and maximum ground speed. Findings confirm prior works indicative of a deleterious effect of ADHD diagnosis on simulator performance and may be attributed to a combination of impulsivity and mind wandering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Sweden, when needed, children of mothers with cognitive limitations are placed in foster homes. There is a lack of knowledge about the mothers with cognitive limitations, their experiences of their maternal role, whether they get the support needed to maintain the relationship with their children, and whether the support system is adapted to mothers with cognitive limitations. The aim was to describe the experiences of the maternal role and support given in mothers with cognitive limitations who have children in placement. An explorative and qualitative design was used. Eleven respondents were interviewed with support from a study‐specific guide. A model representing the respondents' experiences revealed one theme "Struggling, dependent and frustrated mothers," and three categories: I am a mother, I am dependent on an incomprehensible system, and I reluctantly accept my situation. Mothers with children in placement experience a threat to their identity and experience a need to alter their maternal role. They need adapted support to understand the decisions made and facilitate the cooperation with child protection services and the foster home. Offering service adapted to their cognitive limitations could be helpful for the struggling, dependent, and frustrated mothers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the relationship between eight dimensions of spirituality (and religion) and people with four different types of disability status: hearing, vision, physical mobility, and emotional or mental disabilities. The overarching aim was to identify specific spiritual–religious profiles within each disability population relative to the general population. To conduct this cross-sectional examination, the authors used nationally representative data from the General Social Survey in the United States. The results reveal unique spiritual and religious profiles across the four types of disability status examined, although people with emotional or mental disabilities may have the most distinct profile. Compared with their counterparts among the general public, people with hearing, physical, and emotional disabilities were more likely to report praying several times a day; people with all four types of disability were more likely to report having a turning point when they became less committed to religion. Understanding which spiritual and religious dimensions are disproportionately more likely to exist among a given population with a particular disability helps practitioners provide more effective services to members of that group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The study aimed to evidence previous cases of legionellosis or proven or suspected pneumonia in seven hospital facilities for the mentally disabled in Northern Italy, where no clinical surveillance had been previously carried out. An additional aim was to highlight the occurrence of strains of Legionella pneumophila of clinical and environmental origin by Sequence-Based Typing (SBT), comparing them to world surveillance. Material and Methods A clinical survey was perfomed from 2003–2012, analyzing 615 medical records for hospital- and community-acquired pneumonia, with particular attention to legionellosis. Clinical (n=4) and environmental (n=25) isolates of Legionella pneumophila , isolated in the same period (2003–2012), were characterized by SBT and the Sequence Types (STs) compared with the European Working Group for Legionella Infections (EWGLI) database. Results Surveillance revealed that there were seven detected cases of legionellosis; most pneumonia cases could not be confirmed by diagnostic tests because of the disabilities of the patients and their lack of cooperation. The same ST was found in two of the clinical strains and also in a corresponding environment, i.e. ST685 and ST16, and two clinical strains belonging to the same ST (ST1). The other environmental strains were isolated in department with confirmed/suspected clinical cases. Five other STs found in this study were new to the database: ST685 was isolated both from a patient and from water; ST694, ST1181, ST1370 and ST1371 have not been described previously. Conclusions The study confirmed that the routine collection and analysis of environmental strains may be an important strategy for preventing sporadic and epidemic cases of legionellosis, in association with clinical surveillance.

Currently in Russia, professionals and parents are actively involved in solving the issues of organization of complex help, including education, for children with mental disorders and autistic disorders. According to the data from the Federal target program for development of education for 2011—2015, during the last 3 years the number of children with disabilities and restricted vital functions, who are receiving inclusive education increased by 15,5%.

Objectives　Policies promoting community integration of individuals with mental disabilities have increased the need for community advocacy. This study aimed to identify situations in which individuals with mental disabilities perceive the need for advocacy support and how to deal with them.Methods　In this qualitative descriptive study, group interviews were conducted with 13 peer advocates and 12 individuals with mental disabilities. A verbatim transcript of the interviews was created. Categories were generated by raising the level of abstraction from the perspective of "Situations where individuals with mental disabilities require advocacy support and how to address them."Results　Situations requiring advocacy support occurred in outpatient psychiatry settings, psychiatric hospitalizations, welfare facilities, schools, neighborhoods, and places of employment; among family and relatives; and at consultation services. In outpatient psychiatry, "difficulties in accessing medical care" were reported. In psychiatric hospitalizations, participants felt "pressured and unable to escape the environment." In welfare facilities, "romantic relationships between users were discouraged." Regarding familial difficulties, "limited understanding and acceptance of the disease," "relationship deterioration due to poor hospitalization conditions and forced hospitalization," and "marital difficulties due to mental illness" were prevalent. Participants in schools experienced "isolation due to their illness," and in the local community, there were "problems related to reasonable accommodation of individuals with disabilities in neighborhood association activities." Employed participants faced "inadequate consideration despite disclosing their illness to co-workers." At counseling institutions, participants felt "forced to endure without resolution when consulting." Individuals with disabilities coped with these situations by "transferring to a different clinic" or "changing facilities," but in the case of psychiatric hospitalization, they gave up and "did not go against the staff."Conclusion　Individuals with mental disabilities need advocacy support for psychiatric care and diverse situations such as family, school, and community engagement. Efforts should be made to introduce an advocacy system in psychiatric hospitals and to disseminate accurate information about mental illness to high-risk age groups. Moreover, it is necessary to disseminate knowledge of reasonable accommodation and appropriate responses to individuals with mental illness. Peer advocates should educate individuals with disabilities about their rights and encourage proactive measures.

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I will decide that for myself! Personal input and autonomy within the residential disability sectorAlthough much has been written already about personal input and autonomy, the amount of personal input that is desirable and practical in residential settings within disability care remains a very grey area. This is particularly true among young people between 12 and 16 years old, with moderate mental disabilities and the resulting (behavioral) issues who fall under the intensive care dependency packages (ZZP) VG 6 and 7. On the one hand, as professionals it is our task to provide quality care and protect the recipients from consequences they themselves may not appreciate. But the recipients of care also have rights, interests, wishes and dreams. How can care professionals address these?Both in practice and at the organizational level, professionals have to deal with certain facilitating and impeding factors, which contribute to the amount of personal input that is practical. Looking at legal, theoretical frameworks and talking with professionals within the care facilities of Zonnehuizen Intermetzo and Reinaerde, it becomes clear that awareness, creative thinking and a positive approach form a first step for professionals to address the issue of personal input.Dat maak ik zelf wel uit! Zeggenschap en autonomie in de residentiële gehandicaptensectorOver zeggenschap en autonomie is al veel gezegd en geschreven, maar de mate van zeggenschap lijkt binnen de residentiële setting in de gehandicaptensector soms nog steeds een grijs gebied te zijn. Zeker bij jongeren van 12 tot 16 jaar met een matige verstandelijke beperking en bijkomende (gedrags)problematiek die onder de intensieve ZorgZwaartePakketten (ZZP) VG 6 en 7 vallen. Aan de ene kant is het als professional onze taak om hen goede zorg te bieden en te beschermen tegen gevolgen die zij niet overzien. Aan de andere kant hebben de cliënten ook rechten, interesses, wensen en dromen. Hoe kan de professional hier recht aan doen?Zowel op de werkvloer als op organisatorisch niveau heeft de professional te maken met een aantal bevorderende en belemmerende factoren die bijdragen aan het al dan niet vormgeven van zeggenschap. Kijkend naar de wettelijke, theoretische kaders en door het spreken met professionals in de praktijk binnen zorginstellingen Zonnehuizen Intermetzo en Reinaerde, wordt duidelijk dat bewustzijn, creatief denken en positief insteken de eerste focuspunten zijn voor professionals om zeggenschap vorm te geven.

This commentary traces, groups, and characterizes the significant body of work done in rhetoric and writing studies on mental health(care) issues from when such work first began to appear in print in the mid-1980s up until July 2017 when the article was completed and submitted to RHM for publication in its inaugural issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are a growing number of small children--as well as adults--with mental disabilities (including elderly citizens with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of age-related dementia) that are getting lost in rural and urban areas for various reasons. Establishing their location within the first 72 h is crucial because lost people are exposed to all kinds of adverse conditions and in the case of the elderly, this is further aggravated if prescribed medication is needed. Herein we describe a non-invasive, low-cost electronic device that operates constantly, keeping track of time, the geographical location and the identification of the subject using it. The prototype was made using commercial low-cost electronic components. This electronic device shows high connectivity in open and closed areas and identifies the geographical location of a lost subject. We freely provide the software and technical diagrams of the prototypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]